In this tutorial, you will learn how to fix all the problems with the Masters of the Universe Classics Rio Blast action figure. The tutorial will teach you how to fix the chest flap so that it will sit flush with the chest when closed, the gun backpack so that it sits low enough that the visor will be properly lined up with Rio Blast’s eyes (like the vintage figure), and the leg chaps so they sit just a little bit closer to the thigh. To see how each section is properly done, it’s recommended that you watch the video above to see everything properly executed.
TOOLS NEEDED:
1. X-Acto Knife
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2. Pencil
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3. Needle Nose Pliers
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4. Silver Duct Tape
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5. Dremel
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CHEST FLAP:
The first thing you need to do is have the chest flap closed so you can mark with your pencil where the peg sits. What you’ll be doing is cutting out a hole from the chest so the peg doesn’t bump into anything and can close all the way. What I did was I followed the circuitry design in the chest so it looked like it was part of the design. Once the hole is cut, test it out. If you need to trim up the hole, do so. Once you do that, congrats! You can now close the chest flap all the way. However, when it’s open you can see the blue of of the Masters of the Universe Classics Rio Blast chest. That is where the duct tape comes in.
You could paint a small portion of Rio Blast’s chest silver and that would take care of the problem. Unfortunately not everyone feels comfortable painting, which is why I’m suggesting using the duct tape. It’s simple, quick, and anybody could do it. You’ll just take cut out a small rectangle of duct tape and apply it to the Masters of the Universe Classics Rio Blast figure’s chest. Start from the bottom, and work your way up. When you have it fully applied, you will have some wrinkles between the muscles. I’m personally OK with that, since it kinda looks like it’s continuing the circuitry design. Once that’s done, put the vest back on. Problem #1, taken care of.
GUN BACKPACK:
The reason the backpack can’t lower all the way is because of these shoulder bumps on the Masters of the Universe Classics Rio Blast figure. I’m not sure what they are, except an obstruction. What you’ll need to do is mark with your pencil where those shoulder bumps hit the guns. You’ll be cutting out a small rectangle from both sides of the guns so they can clear these bumps. The best part is that they won’t be noticeable at all when the guns are resting. Once you have the areas marked, use your X-Acto knife and cut them out. You will have a vertical cut to make, where you can’t fit your blade. You’ll need to run the blade across, applying force, which will score into the plastic. Do this until you can feel the blade poke through. Now take your pliers to help pry these pieces out. If there’s any plastic left, remove it with the X-Acto knife.
And then cut a tiny piece out of both sides the edge of the backpack that sticks out to stop the guns from lowering. After you’re finished, put it on the Masters of the Universe Classics Rio Blast figure and try it out. If you’ve don it right, then Rio Blast’s eyes will be lined up with the visor. Problem #2, taken care of.
LEG CHAPS:
Now this part isn’t wholly necessary. If you’re OK with the chaps sticking out, you can skip this. But if you do want them to sit just a bit closer to his legs, read on. I noticed the pegs inside the chaps are bigger than they need to be, and this is why they stick out so far from the thighs. Pop the chaps off the legs. Next, take your dremel, preferablly with a round sanding bit, and grind into the peg, making it shorter. Remove any flash and test out the gun. It should fit just fine. Then pop it back on the figure and it will sit just a little bit closer to the thigh. Repeat all of this for the other one as well. Problem #3 taken care of. And now your Masters of the Universe Classics Rio Blast action figure is now fixed.
Rio Blast is my favorite Masters of the Universe character, and always has been. The Masters of the Universe Classics Rio Blast figure has been my most anticipated in the line since I ever thought it could be a possibility. I understand the frustration with buying something with flaws. We action figure collectors know it all too well. I do hope that this shows you that you can be proactive about your figures and make changes that make you happier with the figure.
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